Witt Furniture

"When you think of furniture, think of Witt's." "Since 1937 Estill and surrounding counties have depended on Witt's for all their furniture needs." These and similar ads have reminded consumers to shop at Witt Furniture for well over 70 years. Roy E. Witt may not have known that a tradition started in the Witt Family in February 1937, when he opened a new furniture store in downtown Irvine. The new business was housed in the old Gaines Theatre Building on Main Street next door to Lewis Funeral Home. It still operates in the same location today. A historical account of the store's beginning appeared in the January 7, 1937 issue of the old local paper, "The Estill Herald." Thearticle recounts that Witt and T.E. Lewis went to High Point, North Carolina, and Grand Rapids, Michigan, to buy furniture for the new store. During that era, it was common for funeral homes and furniture stores to be connected in their business affairs. After the death of Roy Witt in 1948, his wife, Clay, and his son, William Boyd Witt, took over management of the store. Later William Boyd operated the store with his wife Martha until he became ill in October 2002. To help with the operation of the store during his illness, William Boyd's son, Ashley, and his wife, Tara, left their public jobs in Madison County to run the family business. Since William's Boyd's death on February 15, 2003, Ashley and Tara have been keeping the family tradition going. They both enjoy the furniture business, each in a complementary way. Tara enjoys the selection and buying process. Ashley, who, like his father, does a lot of his own deliveries, enjoys how the furniture looks after setting it up in homes. But one thing they both agree on is having satisfied customers. Not only do the stylish lines of furniture displayed in the store's front windows draw many people into the store; but the freight elevator, believed to be the first elevator in Estill County, is a local attraction too. Many customers who remember riding the elevator as a child bring their own children in for a nostalgic ride too.The 12000 square foot building houses a variety of brand name furniture to furnish every room in the home. Among the brands sold are La-Z-Boy, Broyhill, Hickory Hill, Best Chair, and King Hickory, as well as wood products by Mabel and Crescent. The store has also been known for its lines of gas and electric appliances, small appliances, drapery, paint, luggage, carpet, linoleum, guns, bedding, and bottled gas. Not only has Witt Furniture offered a full line of furniture and other household decor to its customers, but Witt familymembers have invested time,energy,and dollars into the success of Estill County. The business and the owners have supported many organizations that have made a huge impact to the community, ranging from Estill Development Alliance & Estill County Chamber of Commerce to Kiwanis, Parents Against Drug Dealing, Hospice Care Plus, and WestCare. The Witt's also sponsor T-Ball and participate in the Co-op Program at Estill County High School. Over the years Witt Furniture has been an occupational stepping stone for many students through the Co-op program. For 72 years, Witt Furniture has been a family tradition and an institution in Estill County. The company was built on the solid business foundation of pleasing customers and offering the best products available. Throughout the years that Witt Furniture has been operating, the Witt family has shown their support and dedication to the growth of Estill County. This spirit of community service, along with its sterling reputation qualifies Witt Furniture for induction into the Estill County Hall of Honor.